Thickness and Surface Profile Measurement by a Sinusoidal Wavelength-Scanning Interferometer

We propose a sinusoidal wavelength-scanning interferometer for measuring thickness and surface profile of a thin film. The interference signal contains phase modulation amplitude Z and phase $aL which are related to the positions and profiles of the reflecting surfaces, respectively. By reducing the difference between the detected signal and the estimated signal using the multidimensional nonlinear least-squares algorithm, we estimate values of Z and $aL. Experimental results show that the front and rear surfaces of a silica glass plate of 20 $mUm-thickness could be measured with an error less than 10 nm.     

A regioselective enolate formation of trimethylsilylmethyl ketones application to the (E)-selective synthesis of α,β-unsaturated ketones

Two possible enolate anions of trimethylsilylmethyl ketones have been prepared regioselectively by the appropriate choice of base. The one directed to the silylmethyl site behaves as a highly reactive and (E)-selective condensation reagent to aldehydes.     

Sugar-water interaction from diffusion measurements

The diffusion coefficients of deoxyribose and ribose in water were measured at 25°C. The Stokes-Einstein relation for mono-, di-, and tri-saccharides are discussed. The diffusion coefficient at infinite dilution D_o for deoxyribose was the largest among these sugars. It appears that the deoxyribose breaks local water structure but the ribose hardly affects the structure. D_o correlates well with the mean number of e-OH groups in the sugar molecule. It is suggested that the mean number of e-OH groups is a good parameter to describe the properties of sugar hydration.     

Selective Reactions with Organoaluminum Compounds

With the aid of selected examples an overview is given of the development trends in highly discriminative reactions using organoaluminum compounds. (1) Isomerization of substituted oxiranes into allyl alcohols has been effected both stereo- and regioselectively by means of a new organoaluminum reagent, diethylaluminum 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidide (DATMP); this reaction which provides a new route for the regiospecific transformation of allyl alcohols into 1,3-dienes. (2) A novel nonenzymic heterolysis of allylic phosphates of terpenoids has been effected by organoaluminum compounds and has enabled development of a new method for the selective synthesis of cyclic terpenes. (3) The reductive condensation of α-haloketones with carbonyl compounds in the presence of diethylaluminum chloride and zinc affords β-hydroxy-carbonyl derivatives in good yields with exclusion of undesired self-condensations products.     

Studies on vocal fold injection and changes in pitch associated with alcohol intake

The current study was carried out with particular emphasis on the association between phonetic function tests and alterations in the appearance of the hypopharyngeal and laryngeal mucosa, such as capillary dilatation, edema, and vocal fold injection after alcohol intake. The results demonstrated the occurrence of previously unrecognized pathophysiological changes associated with synchronous phonetic functions in the vocal pathway after alcohol intake. Serum ethanol and aldehyde concentration levels were evaluated hourly for 2.5 h after ingestion of alcohol. When an electronystagmogram showed the typical pattern of alcohol intake, the study was initiated. Occasionally, rhinography was performed on subjects complaining of a stuffy nose after alcohol intake.     

Silver(I) coordination polymers of fluorescent oligo(phenylenevinylene) with pi-pi stackings: luminescence and conductivity

Three luminescent silver(I)-oligo(phenylenevinylene) complexes, [Ag2(bmsb)(ClO4)2] (1), [Ag2(bmsb)(H2O)4](BF4)2 (2), and [Ag2(bdb)(CF3SO3)2] (3) (bmsb = 1, 4-bis(methylstyryl)benzene, bdb = 4,4'-bis(2, 5-dimethylstryryl)biphenyl), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Complexes 1 and 2 are 2D networks with unique metallocyclophane motifs. Complex 3 affords a 2D zigzag sheet, in which silver triflates form tubelike double chains and bdb molecules act as linkages. Complex 2 exhibits high electric conductivity because of columnar aromatic stackings formed through intra- and intermolecular pi-pi interactions. Complexes 1-3 in the solid state exhibit luminescence, of which excitation and emission maxima are shifted to longer wavelength as compared to those of the corresponding metal-free ligands.